Customer Reviews

Ole Bull: Violin Concertos (Blu Ray Audio & SACD)

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Ole Bull brought the world's attention to Norway's music and drama. No question that the performances are spectacular in their composition and rendition. It's the audio technology that is on display: choose Blu-ray and select either PCM stereo, or 5.1 DTS HD 24/192 kHz, or 7.1 DTS HD 24/96 kHz. If you have the capacity, each progression beginning at the 2.0 PCM recording and moving toward the 7.1 will thrill you with a sonic completeness--the orchestra surrounding you, as you listen to the instrumentation become a complete wholeness of performance. Never have I heard such a magnificent exposition of sound, not forgetting the passion found in each of the 10 parts. But wait, there's more. A second DSD disc is to be found within the packaging. For those who have SACD (super audio compact disc) playback, the best is yet to come. The DSD contains a beautiful rendition of all ten presentations. The playback may be listened to in 2.0 stereo or 5.1 surround. Actually, the big surprise is that the hybrid DSD disc will playback in 7.1 with all of the magnificence expected but with a polished sound emerging from its many channels--more holistic and yet pleasing, or on a regular CD player. Oh, and if you wish to show off your audio set-up, from the top of the sonic spectrum to the plumbing of the depths of the sound, you will be able to use this disc to demonstrate what high-end audio brings to the picture. We are living in a marvelous time with so much technology available to us. Enjoy the adventure!

This time the folks at 2L introduce us to the music of the Norwegian "Paganini" Ole Bull (1810-1880) his violin concerti and other works for Violin and Orchestra are all accomplished virtuoso showpieces. Annar Folleso and the
Norweigan Radio Orchestra under the direction of Ole Kristaian Ruud bring us into Ole Bull's sound world with performances that are first rate all around. As usual Morton Lindberg and the folks at 2L have recorded these works in DXD at 352.8khz. Which both the Blu-Ray Audio Disc and the SACD Hybrid disc benefit from greatly soundwise.
Ole Bull was a great influence on the Norwegian artists of his time men such as Grieg, Ibsen, Nordraak, and others.
He could be described as a superstar of his time. His music clearly shows us this to be true, the only video you will see will be the menu or table of contents. This music is certanly worth checking out and listening to.

Ole Bull's music has all been lost with the exception of the two Arve Tellefsen recordings; otherwise that is it. So, this is a welcomed surprise. As you probably know he was a virtuoso violinist. He learned his trade from another great forgotten violinist, Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst. Check-Out Ernst as well, especially the Aaron Rosand recording of Concerto in F sharp minor, Op. 23 - it's Exceptional!!! Back to Bull, he was very interested in the construction of the violin and the potential range of its effects, and he adapted many of his own violins. He lowered the bridge, used thinner strings, and made the bow larger and heavier so that he could play quadruple stops. One of his chief rivals was Henri Vieuxtemps. Think about the concerts both of these guys performed.

All of the pieces on this recording are performed superbly and the sound is A+. The "Saeterjentens Sondag" is Bull's most famous piece. Actually it is an excerpt from "Et Saeterbesog" which is the fantasy piece. The "I Ensomme Stunde" is done very well but all of these pieces have been recorded before. As for the "Concerto in A", "Concerto Fantastico", and the "La Verbena de San Stunde" these are World Premieres. All of the these pieces encompass violin techniques developed by Paganini; double, triple, and quadruple stops, harmonics, ricochet bowing, and large scale phrases, but Bull uses them in a Norwegian style.

What I like about all of these new pieces is that Bull uses a full romantic orchestra. The "La Verbena de San Stunde" is a Spanish piece some-what similar to Sarasate's pieces for Violin & Orch and displays Bull's breath of style and playing. The Concerto in A is excellent and the Concerto Fantastico I believe is the best piece on the CD. I love all of the movements especially the first; the build up orchestration before the soloist is great. The use of the tymbal is unexpected and completely catches you off guard but fits the music perfectly. The second movement severely tugs at your heart and the final has a quick and very happy melody. If you really enjoy great violin playing in the 19th century, I don't think you will be disappointed with this CD.

This is terrific popular style music, performances are flawless. The audio quality is equally fine. This will be one of my favorites of the 2L BluRay/SACD releases.

This Ole Bull rare Violin Concertos CD is excellent and the sound quality is perfect.
I wish every classical music lover buys this lovely music on Blu Ray Audio and SACD.
Thanks to -importcds for excellent rapid shipping.
Pierre Gélinas
Shawinigan QC Canada